More exports means more jobs – it’s that simple

Thursday 15 February 2018

A Marshall Liberal Government will open a South Australian trade office in Shanghai to grow exports into the lucrative Chinese market, driving millions of dollars into our economy and creating more jobs.

South Australia is falling behind the rest of the nation recording a 25 per cent decrease in the value of South Australian goods exported to China over the last three years while Australia’s overall trade in goods to China increased in value by 19.3 per cent over the same period.

“There is a huge opportunity for South Australian businesses to increase exports into the lucrative Chinese market which will create more local jobs,” said State Liberal Leader Steven Marshall.

“Currently South Australia’s export growth is below the national average and since Labor came to power in 2002 our share of the nation’s exports has fallen from over 7 per cent to under 4 per cent.

“That’s why we will open a South Australian trade office in Shanghai, to help local businesses break into the lucrative Chinese market and better compete with exporters from other states and countries.

“Currently South Australia is the only mainland state without a dedicated trade office in Shanghai so we risk continuing to fall further behind the pack if we don’t take action.

“The State Liberals have a plan to deliver an export-led transformation of our economy which will also grow key South Australian industries like our primary industries and biomedical and services sectors.

“The formula is simple - if we can grow our exports it means we have more money coming into our economy which creates more local jobs.”

Shadow Minister for Trade and Investment Tim Whetstone said that the announcement would assist local Riverland businesses to tap into the huge demand in China for South Australian products.

“Assisting local businesses who want to break into overseas markets and supporting those who want to expand their operations will create more jobs for people in the Riverland,” said Mr Whetstone.

“Export growth doesn’t just help exporting businesses, it also creates growth and employment opportunities in supporting industries like our food, and transport and logistics sectors.”

Today’s announcement builds on the Liberal commitment to establish South Australian trade offices in Japan, Malaysia, Dubai and the United States.